Plans to build a training facility by a stadium’s stands have been approved.

Woodside Stadium Athletics Ground, the home of Watford Harriers Athletics Club, is set to receive an upgrade after Watford Borough Council approved the club’s planning application on Thursday (May 23).

An indoor training building will be built to the west of the stands and a new permanent timing office will replace the temporary office on the other side of the stands.

Ten trees will have to be removed to make way for the construction and an eleventh will also be chopped down as part of the project due to “significant defects”. These will then be replaced.

A document attached to the application, which was submitted in March, says that the club currently lacks a warm indoor space for exercises when the weather is poor.

Watford Observer: Woodside Stadium Athletics Ground.Woodside Stadium Athletics Ground. (Image: Google Maps)

The council judged that the proposal for the Horseshoe Lane stadium was acceptable.

The officers report said: “The proposal provides additional leisure facilities, respects the character and appearance of the area and has no undue impact on the living conditions of neighbouring properties.”